Saving our Dingo. April 27, 2016 11:23
The dingo has and has had a very difficult and colourful relationship and a chequered history with the Australian public.
Seen by some as a ferocious killer of livestock and by others as an Australian icon, loyal companion to the original Australians for centuries. A beautiful animal that does not deserve to share the fate of becoming extinct like the Tasmanian tiger through human ignorance and greed. Efforts are being made to preserve the pure bred Dingo. Scratch any kelpie or cattle dog and you will find dingo DNA.
The documentary "Dingo: Wild dog at war", tells the story of an Australian sheep and cattle farmer predisposed to view the dingo as a savage livestock killer, a pest to be deterred and even killed. This farmer is also a dog trainer and that fact makes him intrigued by the dingo and its behaviour.
He sets out on a journey through Australian crossing the "the Dingo fence", where he meets with cattle and sheep farmers, scientists and environmentalists. To discover that there actually is a place for the dingo in the modern Australian landscape/ecology.
The dingoes existence is very important in balancing nature, safeguarding and generating Australian wildlife and even native flora, as they keep the numbers of feral cats, foxes and rabbits under control.
Dingoes have been baited and killed in an effort to save lifestock, however the use of large sheepdogs as protection for the flocks has shown to be far more effective.
By leaving the dingo population alone, dingo hierarchy and a close family pack environment teaches the young pups how to behave and not run wild like they might have done while their elders are being hunted down and killed.
Farmer David Graham finds a new respect and love for the dingo and realizes that it is possible to co-exist with the dingo as a farmer.
Although initially saddened I was captivated by the story and filled with hope for a brighter future for our dingo. A fascinating documentary that was first aired on the ABC in Dec 2013. If you are a dingo lover like me definitely worth a watch.
